Basketball

By Larry Smith/IlliniGuys Staff

January 1, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

The month of December couldn't have been more inconsistent for Fighting Illini basketball. 

Struggle in their first true road game at Maryland.  Whip a powerhouse Texas team in overtime in New York City three nights later in a primetime marquee matchup.

Fall flat at home against Penn State.  Record a 21-point win over Alabama A&M after exam week.  Get an historic punch in the mouth against Missouri.

The roller coaster left Illini Nation feeling queasy around Christmas weekend and perhaps unsure if they wanted to open any gifts in orange and blue wrapping under the tree.  But Illini coach Brad Underwood never hesitated.

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst

December 30, 2022

The Illini completed their non-conference schedule with an 85-52 pasting of Bethune-Cookman, righting the ship a bit after the debacle against Missouri a week ago. Although the competition was less than stellar, this was an opportunity to see what tweaks Brad Underwood was able to make as the Illini head into Big Ten Conference play. 

Here’s what we saw:

By IlliniGuys Staff December 29, 2022 (Cover photo courtesy […]

By IlliniGuys Staff December 29, 2022 (Cover photo courtesy […]

The Illini going through a recent rough patch is what the team ultimately needs to have a successful tournament run.

Zain Bando, IlliniGuys Correspondent

December 29, 2022

It could be worse, right?

Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular December 27, 2022 […]

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For the first time in over four years, Illinois gave up 50 points in a first half and the effort in the first 20 minutes led to Missouri biggest Braggin’ Rights win ever. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 23, 2022

ST. LOUIS -- During a stoppage of play in the second half that lasted no more than two minutes of real time, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood went through practically every stage of grief. 

By IlliniGuys Staff December 22, 2022 (Cover photo courtesy […]

Zain Bando, IlliniGuys Correspondent

December 22, 2022

The Illini railed around one another to nail down a 68-47 win against Alabama A&M to regain a level of consistency Saturday.

Brad Sturdy, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular December 22, 2022 […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting 

December 22, 2022

Illinois head coach Shauna Green has already gotten the attention of Illini fans and recruits

For the second straight game, Illinois won a non-conference game without leading scorer Makira Cook in the lineup. Illini guard Genesis Bryant produces her first career triple-double in the 35-point win. 

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

December 21, 2022

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- No Makira Cook, no problem for Illinois. 

The Illini women’s basketball team clearly didn’t need its leading scorer on Wednesday afternoon as they easily closed out its non-conference slate with a more than comfortable 81-46 win over a Florida Atlantic team that arrived at State Farm Center having won eight of its first nine games. 

The Illini (11-2), who are projected to be in ESPN’s NCAA Tournament field this week for the first time in over a decade, hit 13 three-point shots without the services of Makira Cook as the Dayton transfer is still battling flu-like symptoms. The baker’s dozen perimeter shots were the most this season, eclipsing the 14 made in a 92-71 victory at Pittsburgh in ACC/Big Ten Challenge on Nov. 30. 

“The more that we spread the floor, we’re proving that we have multiple three-level scorers on this team,” Illinois head coach Shauna Green said.

Illinois announced the official addition of 6-foot-10 forward Zacharie […]

Mike Cagley, Co-Host IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular December 19, 2022 […]